SAN DIEGO — Rockies catcher Yorvit Torrealba walked gingerly out of the trainer’s room knowing the inevitable. His left knee was no better, and he landed on the disabled list prior to Saturday’s game. Triple-A catcher Adam Melhuse will replace him.

“I wanted to see if it would get better, but I didn’t think it would,” Torrealba said.

He’s expected to have surgery to repair a torn left meniscus. He hopes to be able to run in three weeks and possibly rejoin the Rockies, should they advance to the playoffs.

The pain first became unbearable Aug. 7, forcing the veteran to be scratched from a start against the Washington Nationals. Despite falling into a backup role, Torrealba opted against an operation because he believed the team could still contend for a postseason berth.

It has played out that way, with the team crawling back into the race. But Torrealba’s knee gradually got worse over the past week. He has no problem playing hurt — he’s done that for long stretches the past two seasons. The knee, however, made him more vulnerable, given the squats and lateral movement required.

Melhuse, promoted two weeks ago to provide insurance while Torrealba and Chris Iannetta were nursing injuries, was scheduled to arrive during Saturday’s game.

Helton takes big step.

First baseman Todd Helton is making encouraging progress with the irritated disc in his back. He took batting practice on the field Saturday for the first time since landing on the disabled list July 4, rifling shots down both lines and deep to center field.

Center fielder Willy Taveras knew he had been claimed on waivers Friday after checking his phone messages. He speculated that the Yankees or Nationals might have claimed him. While the team is unknown, his preference is.

“I want to stay here. We are playing really well at the right time,” Taveras said.

It’s highly unlikely the Rockies would trade the center fielder. They can just pull him back off waivers, using the knowledge of the teams that claimed him to pursue a deal in the offseason.

Footnote.

Outfielder Ryan Spilborghs will rejoin the Rockies on Monday, ending his rehab assignment.